Star Karim Benzema will miss Real Madrid’s match against Espanyol in the Spanish League scheduled for Saturday due to an ankle injury, said Carlo Ancelotti, coach of the Royal Club, on Friday.
Ancelotti added that the French striker might be ready to play the next two matches against Liverpool and Barcelona.
Ancelotti stated that Benzema “suffered a blow to his ankle, which led to his swelling. He trained individually today, and he will be ready for the match against Liverpool.”
The Italian coach indicated that his team will miss the presence of his best player in more matches, explaining: “Karim is of great importance to us, especially after his performance last season. But we have not yet reached the important part of the season. We are confident that he will be there to help us.” “.
According to the coach, Rodrygo will replace Benzema’s absence in the starting line-up against Espanyol.
Real Madrid lags behind Barcelona by nine points in the “La Liga”, and the royal team is scheduled to visit the “Blaugrana” on March 19 in the “Clasico”, which will greatly affect the struggle for the Spanish League title (La Liga).
Real Madrid will also host rivals Liverpool in the Champions League round of 16 return match on Wednesday, after beating them 5-2 in the first leg.
Benzema injuries
- Benzema suffered minor injuries this season, after he starred in the 2021-22 season and led Real Madrid to win the “La Liga” title and the European Champions League, by scoring 44 goals.
- This led to him being awarded the Golden Ball for the best player in the world.
- The 35-year-old French international has missed 12 matches so far with Real Madrid, as well as the 2022 World Cup, due to injuries this season.
- He played the full 90 minutes against Real Betis, which ended goalless on Sunday.